Objectives: To investigate the final product of the bioconversion of lutein by a novel lutein-degrading bacterium, Enterobacter hormaechei A20, and the kinetics of the process.
Results: A new product, 8-methyl-α-ionone, was resolved by GC-MS. The compound was further identified by NMR. A conversion yield of 90% was achieved by E. hormaechei in 36 h with 10 g lutein l-1.
Conclusions: This is the first report of the bioconversion of lutein to form 8-methyl-α-ionone. A degradation pathway is proposed.
Keywords: 8-Methyl-α-ionone; Bioconversion; Enterobacter hormaechei; Lutein.